Through the digitalization and advancement of network structures such as server-based, peer-to-peer (P2P), and torrent file sharing on the Internet; it is now easier than ever to illegally copy a digital product. Producers and distributors of a digital product can easily make duplications of the original and distribute them either legally or illegally over the Internet. Furthermore, an individual can duplicate and distribute a digital product through personal devices such as a computers, CD writers, or DVD writers. The Internet has become one of the most popular methods to distribute these digital products.
With the increased ease of media sharing, crimes of movie piracy have drastically increased over the past decade. A recent study by the Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) reveals that Movie Piracy not only has a direct impact on the movie business, but that is also affect the US economy on a larger scale. The research is based on the outcome of the MPAA funded LEK study that revealed that the movie industry lost $1.3 billion in the US, and $6.1 billion worldwide. Based on these figures, the IPI concludes that Movies Pirates (online and offline) are responsible for $5.5 billion in lost annual earnings among U.S. workers, 141,030 jobs lost, $837 million in lost annual tax revenue and $20.5 billion in lost annual output to all U.S. industries. Movie piracy involves instances of either illegal copying or bootleg materials. Illegal copying relates to illicit copies made of an authentic DVD, VHS tape, or Video CD, either legally or illegally obtained. Individuals might make copies of a movie they purchased or received illegally from third-party copies of authentic goods. For example, a film critic providing copies of an authentic film to friends and family before its wide public release would be an example of illegal copying. Bootlegging in the film business is primarily due to individuals secretly using camcorders